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EU HOPES CPEC W I LL BR I NG MOR E I N V ESTM E N TS I N PA K I STA N: ENVOY
I SL A M A BA D, M ay 18 (DNA) – Ambassador of European Union to Pakistan Jean Francois Cautain has said, the EU fully supports Pakistan’s efforts to eradicate terrorism and co-operates with Pakistan in the field of counter terrorism. The EU believes it is important that a national programme on countering violent extremism is implemented, in the framework of the National Action Plan against terrorism. Talking to DNA on Thursday he said, “We agree with Pakistan that the root causes of violent extremism have to be addressed, besides the reforms in law enforcement that are required”. A NOTHER 4 TER RORISTS EXECUTED PESHAWAR - Another four hardcore terrorists of Tehreeke-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) convicted by military court were executed at a jail of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Thursday. According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), these terrorists were involved in committing heinous offences relating to terrorism, including killing of innocent civilians, destruction of communication/ electricity infrastructure, destruction of educational institutions, attacking Armed Forces of Pakistan and Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs). Muhammad Ibrahim son of Maseen was involved in killing of a civilian, destruction of a bridge and attacking Armed Forces of Pakistan which resulted in death of civilians and a soldier. Rizwan Ullah son of Taj Mir Khan was involved in killing of a civilian, kidnapping WAPDA employee and attacking Armed Forces of Pakistan which resulted in injuries to an officer and a soldier. G OV T T O AC H I E V E GDP TARGET OF 6PC IN FY2017-18: AHSAN
ISLAMABAD - Minister for Planning and Development, Ahsan Iqbal has said that the government will achieve the target of 6 percent Gross Domestic Product (GDP) during the next fiscal year. Talking to media in Islamabad, he said, “Government has taken bold measures to achieve macroeconomic stability, overcome energy crisis and ensure infrastructural development.” Ahsan Iqbal said, “An amount of Rs 2,113 billion has been proposed for public sector development programme in the next budget.” He said, “Rs 325 billion have been proposed for infrastruct u r al development i n t he country.” The Minister said, “Infrastructural development will ensure the development of backward areas of the country.” Meanwhile, a document issued by Pla n n i ng Com m ission states that Pakistan’s ranking has improved in Global Competitiveness Index (GCI) from 126th position to 122nd. The document that accredited economic team of the federal government for growth and development stated that Pakistan was ranked 126th in GCI out of 138 countries in 2015-16. Pakistan also moved four ranks towards improvement in Doing Business global rankings from 148th to 144th. The com mission has held Pakistan’s long-term credit rating improvement from B-minus to B by Standard and Poor’s and bettered position on Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index 2017 as positive signs.
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Faceless, nameless forces are polluting youth’s mind on social media: COAS
Rawalpindi - Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Bajwa on Thursday has said that faceless and nameless hostile forces are polluting mind of youth through social media. Addressing a seminar in Rawalpindi, army chief said Rad-ul-Fasaad is just the beginning of a new phase. He said that fight has to be carried on by all organs of the state and its people. He said that security threats have been diminished resulting into a congenial environment for development activities.
He said youth is Pakistan’s i nve s t m e nt i n f u t u r e. General Qamar Bajwa said that Pakistan Army is only army in the world that has defeated terrorism of this scale. Pakistan is a young Nation, both in historic and demographic terms. Demographically, over 50% of our population is projected to be less than 25 years of age. The future of our country literally lies with the direction that our youth take over the next few years. He f u r t h e r s a i d t h a t
Extremism is also related to the environment and the time we live in. From that perspective, we must admit that Pakistani youth is getting exploited due to poor governance and lack of justice in the society. The whole Muslim world seems to be on fire. The country seems threatened from multiple directions. It just does not seem fair. Our challenges are very real but there are positive sides to the picture as well. Not only have we survived
Medical institutions to focus on research, Mamnoon
President Mamnoon Hussain has said that the incumbent Government is committed to provide affordable and best medical healthcare facilities to the general public and in this regard has also launched national health programme. The President stated that medicine is a sacred profession and it is the responsibility of medical practitioners and professionals to work with dedication in alleviating the sufferings of ailing and needy humanity.
President Mamnoon Hussain was addressing the 35th undergraduate convocation of Army Medical College under the auspices of National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) he r e i n R awa lpi nd i o n Thursday. Adjutant General, Lt. Gen. Anwar Ali Haider, Vice Chancellor N U MS, Lt. Syed Mohammad Imran
Majeed, Surgeon General Lt. Gen. Asif Mumtaz Sukhera and Principal Army Medical College, Maj. Gen. Saleem Ahmed Khan were also present on the occasion. The President stated that Pakistan is a developing country, its resources are limited and due to poverty and other social reasons people are unable to easily avail medical facilities adding that the state of medical facilities is also not upto the standard. He noted that non-availability of medical facilities in marginalized and far flung areas of the country is a serious issue and emphasized that in this regard the role of welfare institutions and doctors is of great significance. The President underscored that the Government is undertaking measures to improve healthcare apparatus and facilities across the
country. The President urged medical institutions to benefit from research of eminent international institutions and aid the Government in reforming the health sector. President Mamnoon Hussain stressed that medical institutions should focus on research to make medical treatment accessible and affordable adding that NUMS and allied instit utions can play an important role in this respect. Congratulating the students on successful completion of their degrees, the President urged them to keep working hard and upon entering practical life serve their country and nation with sincerity and commitment. He expressed optimism that graduating students will come up to the expectations of their parents, teachers and the nation.
Relation with India can’t improve until Kashmir issue is resolved: Rabbani ISLA M A BA D, 18 M AY (DNA) - Chairman Senate M ia n R a z a R abba n i on Thursday said that Pakistan’s relation with India cannot improve until the Kashmir issue is resolved. “The violation of international law by the Indian forces in occupied Kashmir and human right violations need to be condemned by the civilized world,” he said while talking to Canadian High Commissioner Perry John Calderwood at Parliament House in Islamabad. Both sides agreed to further boost parliamentary linkages to mutually benefit from social, cultural and economic prospects in both the countries. Mian Raza Rabbani said, “Pakistan and Canada have
increased the bilateral trade and economic cooperation recently but there is huge potential to promote it further. Both the countries have supported with each other on international fora particularly during the parliamentary interactions.” He said, “Pakistan is a diversified country with bright economic prospects and places its mutual relations with Canada at high esteem and desires to further expand
these ties in different sectors.” Both the sides agreed to utilize parliamentary friendship groups and reciprocate by devising modalities for enhancing cooperation and sharing experiences. He also emphasized the need for further cooperation in various sectors along with promoting people to people contacts for better understanding to bring both the countries more closer to each other.
the worst onslaught of terrorism in modern history, we have reversed the tide. In fact, security has now achieved conditions to help development take off. In the last part of his speech he said that let’s join hands to counter extremism by providing ideal environment in your respective institutions and through diligence and discipline. Let’s help each other in identifying, curtailing and defeating any attempts to pollute the minds of our youth.
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India trying to hide its real face by taking Yadav’s case to ICJ: Nafees Zakaria
MAY 18, (DNA) – The International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Thursday ordered Pakistan to stay the hanging of self-confessed Indian spy Kulbhushan Jadhav until it rules in the treaty violation case. The U N court for hearing disputes between states stayed the execution till it has time to hear a case brought by India arguing that Pakistan violated its obligations under an international treaty. ICJ’s rulings are binding. Announcing the verdict, President Ronny Abraham said, “Pakistan should take measures to ensure that Jadhav is not executed until ICJ’s verdict.” “Pakistan shall take necessary measures to ensure that
Jadhav is not executed until the final decision in these proceedings and shall inform the court all the measures taken in implementation of the court’s order,” the president added. Power of the court to indicate provisional measures as demanded by India will only be exercised if there is urgency, Abraham said. Pakistan has suggested Jadhav’s execution will not take place before August 10, 2017, the president said. India had moved the UN court urging it to suspend Jadhav’s sentence and declare that it was arrived at “in brazen defiance of Vienna Convention rights”. Pakistan had defended its position by terming New Delhi’s story
a far-fetched one as criminal cases did not fall within the purview of the Vienna Convention. At the core of the dispute is the fate of Kulbhushan Sudir Jadhav, a former officer in the Indian navy who was arrested in March 2016 in Balochistan. There has been a long-running conflict in Balochistan between Pakistani security forces and a separatist movement. According to Islamabad, Jadhav confessed to being tasked by India’s intelligence service with planning, coordinating and organising espionage and sabotage activities in Balochistan “aiming to destabilise and wage war against Pakistan”.
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USAID Partners with Pakistan’s Largest Hospitality Company for development impact
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Queen of Himalaya - Nanga Parbat - The killer mountain is the ninth highest mountain in the world at 8,126 metres (26,660 ft) above sea level; It is the western anchor of the Himalayas around which the Indus river skirts into the plains of Pakistan. Exclusive photo by The Destination Team
Polling stations established for Iranians in Pakistan
Islamabad, Pakistan -Hashoo Group and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding that will create a framework of collaboration on capacity building, hospitality education, entrepreneurship and impact investment. This joint contract will combine the technical expertise of USAID with the largest hospitality company in Pakistan to improve tourism and private sector growth in a sustainable way. The partnership with USAID will enable Hashoo Group to provide programs that achieve significant development results. Hashoo Group of companies, as owner and operators of the Pearl Continental Hotels, Marriott Hotels and Hotel One brands with properties located all over the country, plays a significant role in Pakistan’s growing travel and tourism
industry. Travel and Tourism is stages to contribute over PKR 1 trillion by 2025 and this pact will help reach that projection though effective industry standards and cutting-edge programs. Opportunities created by this partnership will contribute to building centers for vocational training, promotion of entrepreneurship, and fostering sustainable business practices will drive greater growth in the various sectors Hashoo Group as a conglomerate, is involved in.Speaking on the occasion, Murtaza Hashwani, Deputy Chairman of Hashoo Group said, “While Hashoo Group’s interests span several industries including real estate, industries and energy, we see an opportunity to make an immediate impact in the hospitality industry in Pakistan for now.” Echoing this sentiment, the
USAID Pakistan Mission Director, John Groarke said, “We are partnering with select leading private sector companies and this partnership with Hashoo Group particularly allows us to work across social and economic several development objectives and thereby making the impact larger for a stronger Pakistan.” Hospitality in Pakistan have seen a steady increase in growth in the past ten years and has more than doubled its contribution
to total GDP since 2006. To meet the rapidly rising demand for hospitality offerings in Pakistan, investment in capacity building will be critical to the long-term sustainability of this sector. Through this partnership several thousands Pakistanis will be impacted through training programs, technological and innovation implementations, medium scale impact funds projects and other programs.
ISLA M A BA D ( DNA United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission Director Joh n Groarke, Secretar y of the Ministry of National Health Services Muhammad Ay ub Shai k h, Executive Director Health Ser vices Academy Dr. Assad Hafeez, and Secret ar y Health Department Government of Sindh Dr. Fazlullah Pechuho Wednesday signed the three new project commitment letters for the U.S. Government to provide budgetary support for Pakistani public health endeavors.. T he f irst com mit ment
letter between USAID and the Ministr y of National Health Services Regulation and Coordination aims to strengthen provincial health and population department planning and reform, increase public health sector financing, invest in childbirth care, and develop the public health workforce, especially skilled midwives and lady health workers. The second letter of commitment between USAID and the Department of Health, Government of Sindh, aims to improve the use of data to inform public health planning. U.S. financial support will
also enable the Department to develop effective provincewide monitoring capabilities and strengthen the monitoring and evaluation section of the Director General Health Sindh. The third commitment letter between USAID and the Health Services Academy will support faculty development, targeted research, strengthening an alumni network, increasing international institutional affiliations and creating distance learning programs. Mission Director Groarke highlighted the United States’ long-term commitment to strengthen Pakistan’s health
sector. “The United States Government recognizes that investment in the Pakistani people and strengthening the capacity of the Government of Pakistan at all levels to deliver essential services are two vital components for saving lives and improving health outcomes,” he said. Secretary Shaikh thanked the United States for initiating new government-to-government programming in the health sector and focusing on strategic investments that will help improve public health policy, services, financing, and monitoring.
LONDON - In order to promote commercial relations between Pakistan and UK, Pakistan High Commission London is actively supporting a six member delegation of Pakistan Britain Business Council (PBBC), which is planning to visit Pakistan from 18th to 28th May 2017. The delegation is being led by Julian Hamilton, Chairman PBBC and mainly comprises businessmen representing Professional and Financial Services, Manufacturing and Energy Sector, says a press release received from London here today. During the visit, the delegation will visit Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad and will meet key Govt and business representatives. They will also sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with FPCCI to promote commercial relations between the two countries. This delegation will do the ground work for the bigger
trade delegation which PBBC plans to send to Pakistan in September this year under the chair of Jack Straw Former Foreign Secretary. T he Pak ist an High Commission, London has also played an important role in developing linkages between PBBC and London Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The two important platforms are soon to sign an MOU in a ceremony to be hosted by this High Commission. In yet another key initiative, the Pakistan High Commission, on the request of Government of Punjab, is sending many Br itish Investors/ businessmen having background in financial services, professional services
and infrastructure development to participate in the ‘Second International Seminar on Business Opportunities in Punjab’ which is going to be held in Lahore from May 22-23, 2017. This event will result in attracting maximum Foreign Investment in Punjab. T he Pak ist an High Commission is also actively working toward holding a major ‘Investment Conference’ in September this year at the ‘Mansion House’ London in collaboration with Lord Mayor of London Office. These initiatives are in addition to Mission’s efforts to facilitate holding of many event especially meant for t rade & invest ment promot ion l i ke org a n i z i ng
Pakistani exhibitors participation in major events like Spring Festival Birmingham, International Food Event and Health and Safety Event in London. It is very important to note that UK is a very important trading partner of Pakistan and one of the main sources of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Pakistan. In the post Brexit scenario, the Pakistan High Commission is pro actively in strengthening the bilateral commercial relations between the two countries to attract maximum British investment in Pakistan thereby playing an important role in the economic development of Pakistan.
Central Asian states, such as Turkmenistan to Pakistan.” He said, “Both Turkmenistan and Pakistan are members of the Economic Cooperation O rga n i z at ion ( ECO). I n November 2016, Pakistan joined the Ashgabat Agreement which aims to export Turkmen gas throughout the region in
addition to the Lapis Lazuli corridor designed to facilitate trade. Pakistan affirmed its commitments to Turkmenistan in a Sustainable Transport conference where Pakistan affirmed that regional connectivity, economic integration are key pillars of Pakistan’s foreign policy.”
US continues to invest for better health systems in Pakistan
ISLAMABAD Iranian nationals in Pakistan are eagerly and impatiently waiting to cast their votes in the upcoming presidential elections and play their own role in the fate and future of their country. According to Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), overall five polling stations would be established in different cities in Pakistan for the 12th Iran presidential election which is to be held on May 19, at the Iranian embassy in Islamabad and four consulates in cities of
Karachi, Lahore, Peshawar and Quetta. T hese days presidential election is the main topic in sessions and gatherings of Iranians in Pakistan and along with tens of millions of Iranians in Iran, they are following news and reports of the presidential campaign in the country. About 800 to 1000 Iranian citizens in Pakistan are expected to cast their votes. Even students and teenagers who are
too young to cast their votes are eagerly talking of the Iranian elections and are very excited about the event. On May 19 (Friday) four Iranian candidates will run for the elections. If no candidate wins more than 50 percent of votes cast, the top two candidates will compete in a runoff election on May 26. On April 20, the Guardian Council approved six candidates to run for the presidential election. The candidates included custodian of Imam Reza
Holy Shrine Ebrahim Raeisi, First Vice-President Eshaq Jahangiri, Mayor of Tehran Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, former minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance Mostafa Mirsalim, former Minister of Physical Education Mostafa Hashemi Taba, and President Hassan Rouhani. However, two of the candidates (Qalibaf and Jahangiri) have so far dropped out from the presidential race in favor of another two (Raeisi and Rouhani).
Great need to introduce beauty of Kaghan Valley to world: Ch Ghafoor MANSEHRA - Ch. Abdul Ghafoor Khan, Managing Director, Pakistan Tourism Development Corporation (PTDC) on Wednesday said there is a great need to introduce the beauty of Kaghan Valley to the world. He expressed these views during his visit to Naran and Kaghan Valley to view the problems being faced by tourists. He also held a meeting with Syed Ghulam, District Nazam Mansehra and discussed matters for promotion of tourism in the area. He said, “Kaghan Valley is a scenic wonderland. It is a jewel among the many beautiful valleys in the Mansehra District of Hazara in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). He said, “PTDC requires
land for provision of facilities to the tourists. For development work public-private sector partnership shall be encouraged.” Syed Ghulam, District Nazam Mansehra said, “PTDC has played a pioneering role for promotion of tourism in true sense and set a trend for private sector. District Administration is ready to provide land for provision of additional facilities to the tourists in Kaghan Valley.” He appreciated the efforts of present Government and MD PTDC Ch Abdul Ghafoor being made for promotion of tourism. During visit of Motel Naran the MD PTDC was briefed about the high flow of water of the Kunhar River
which is damaging PTDC Motels in the shape of land sliding. MD PTDC requested the District Counsel Naran that the direction of river may be changed and rock wall fence may be constructed to counter the flood disasters. He said, “Steps may be taken in this regard to avoid
further damage. This motel is a great source of income to PTDC.” He said, “The incoming tourists trust in the name of PTDC and standard of service which is being provided to them. Effective measures may be taken for further betterment of the site.”
PBBC delegation to promote commercial relations between Pakistan, UK
54pc Pakistanis support a woman as head of Bilateral trade between Pakistan, Turkmenistan needs to be enhanced: Alamgir state: survey ISLAMABAD (DNA - As many as 54 percent Pakistanis believe that a capable and popular woman can be the head of state. According to a Gallup and Gilani Pakistan National Survey conducted in the year 1996 (21 years ago) respondents were asked, “Some people think that according to Islamic perspective a woman cannot be the head of state, whereas others think that if a woman is capable and popular then there is nothing wrong in her being the head of the state. What is your opinion?” In response to this question, 23 percent said that a capable and popular woman can be head of state, 61 percent said cannot be the head of state, while 16 percent did
not respond.The question was asked again in 2017 to enable a concrete comparison. In 2017, 54 percent said that a capable and popular woman can be head of state, while 46 percent said otherwise.According to public opinion, there has been a 31 percent increase in the proportion of Pakistanis who believe a capable and popular woman can be the head of state and a 15 percent decrease in the proportion of Pakistanis who believe a woman cannot be head of state.Bilal I Gilani, Executive Director at Gallup Pakistan said, “A deeper analysis and more qualitative understanding is needed for this positive shift.” “Moreover, one hypothesis certainly emerges
that in 1996 when the poll was conducted for the first time, people’s views against a female head of state were polarized along party lines, as we had a sitting female PM in office at that time,” he said. “In some sense, saying yes to the question in 1996, was socially less desirable for Pakistan Muslim Leag ue-Nawaz (PM L -N ) Voters. In the year 2017, now that there are no real women contenders for head of state, the views may be in some ways more realistic.” However, we at Gilani Research Foundation are currently looking at this trend more minutely and all the above explanations are only hypothetical,” he said.
KARACHI (DNA) - Alamgir Firoz, Chair man, FPCCI St a nd i ng Com m it tee on D i pl o m a t i c A f f a i r s o n Wednesday said that bilateral trade between Pakistan and Turkmenistan needs to be enhanced in same way as the government of the both countries has initiated. He expressed these views during a meeting with Atadjan Movlamov, Ambassador of Turkmenistan at Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry. He stated, “Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and Tu rk me n i st a n P r e side nt signed trade Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) and PM Nawaz Sharif declared that
Pakistan’s priority is to expand trade and economic relations and Turkmenistan President said that both countries share similar views on regional peace and stability.” He said, “The sectors in which both countries can collaborate are trade, energy, agriculture and livestock, science and technology, education, health, sports and tourism.” A t a d j a n M o v l a m o v, Ambassador of Turkmenistan stated that, “The development of the banking channels is in process, which will facilitate the trade on a positive way.” He expressed to have an exchange of delegations, single countries exhibition and road shows to be organized
by both countries. He said, “Turkmenistan is providing 16 basic needs free of cost in their country; while Turkmenistan is having 100 percent literacy rate; in this regard, they are looking for collaboration with Pakistan in the sector of Health and Education.” He also i nv it e d F PCCI to join the delegation for Turkmenistan to proceed in the current year by Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP).” Maher Alam Khan, Secretary General (Acting) FPCCI said, “As part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Pakistan has finalised land routes (since January 2016) designed to provide access to
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Remaining since May 18,2017. Use of ICTs and Computer Training Chair Outreach Program, he Information Communication Technologies (ICTs) University of Agriculture, have exposed new horizons of information exchange. Faisalabad Revolutionary transitions have tremendously changed the picture of communication around the globe. In this context the Outreach Chair of USPCAS-AFS is exploring the ways and means for the effective use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in the transfer of agricultural and food system knowledge and technology. Internet and mobile networks are providing agriculture technology and extension services that are cost effective, customized, faster, and up to date. In the rural areas of Pakistan majority of the farmers do not have access to the valuable knowledge base of the agricultural universities, and agricultural research centres. There is huge databank of agricultural information available online. The websites of Agricultural Universities, Punjab Agricultural Department, PARC and private industry have useful information. Through Community Outreach Centers, the Outreach Chair of USPCAS-AFS is providing access to online information to the local communities. Keeping in view limited computer literacy in the rural areas, the outreach chair has arranged exclusive training sessions with the youth. The youngsters of these community centers were provided training on how to access relevant information from different information portals and how to communicate with the scientists. The outreach centers have been equipped with basic ICT tools and farmers can post online queries directly to the experts. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed with the Pakistan Institute of ICTs for Development (PIID), Islamabad. The overall objective of this MoU is to establish collaboration between the Outreach Chair and PIID for the promotion of ICT culture in the rural areas. PIID offering technical expertise and advisory services in the realms of ICTs and other related initiatives (e-Village and e-Pakistan). Youth and women of rural areas are the two major stakeholders which can pave the way for progress and prosperity of agriculture sector. Keeping in view the importance of these prime mover of rural development, the outreach chair is determined to streamline the capabilities thereof. Involving the youth in healthy activities is also being focused. Women constitute most of the agricultural workforce of Women and Youth Empowerment through Capacity Building Pakistan and they work equally with men. Livestock and agricultural activities in most of the rural areas of Pakistan in general and Punjab are subsistence oriented and participation of women in these activities is considerably higher than those of men. There is better awareness and the availability of information to the male farmers but there exists gender disparity in agriculture, and public extension services have not effectively
T
Maritime collaboration to enhance PakSingapore cordial relations: Capt Javed Commanding Officer PNS Zulfiquar, Capt. Faisal Javed Sheikh has said that the maritime collaboration between Pakistan and Singapore in the form of regular interactions, visit of senior officers, training cooperation or participation in bilateral and multinational exercises and exhibitions will further strengthen the existing bonds of friendship and cordial relations between the two countries. He was addressing a
reception co-hosted by him and the High Commissioner of Pakistan to Singapore, Nasrullah Khan on board the visiting Pakistani vessel, Zulfiquar, said a press release issued by Pakistan High Commission, Singapore on Thursday. The ship is in Singapore on a week’s visit to participate in the International Maritime Defence Exhibition (IMDEX) Asia- 2017.
Commercial Counselor and Head of Trade mission of Vietnam Nguyen Hong Tien on Wednesday said that bilateral trade between Pakistan and Vietnam can be promoted by strengthening business to business contact between the business communities of both countries. He expressed these views while addressing a meeting
during his visit to Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI) in Karachi. On this occasion President of KATI Masood Naqi welcomed the Counselor and briefed him about scoop of industry in Korangi Industrial Area. He said, “Many industries were being relocated to Vietnam from Japan, China and other countries due to low cost and
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Outreach Activities of US-Pakistan Center of Advanced Studies in Agriculture and Food Security, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad addressed gender in their system. Women in the rural areas have less access to extension services due to several factors such as socio-cultural norms, lack of female extension workers and illiteracy etc. The Outreach chair of USPCAS-AFS has worked with different institutes/departments of UAF for gender mainstreaming in agriculture sector through capacity building and tailor made trainings. Capacity building workshops are being organized in collaboration with the Institute of Home Sciences, UAF. Dr. Binish Israr, Dr. Ayesha Sameen and Binish Assad are the resource person for these events. A large number of women from surrounding areas attended the session. This series of seminars would be continued in other parts of Faisalabad District. Dietitian from University of Agriculture, Faisalabad delivered a lecture on health and nutrition for females and children and suggested them how can they improve their health. Second session was based on the questions from the females on their health issues. FUTURE FARMERS – YOUTH/SCHOOL CHILDREN Rural youth are the potential future farmers and future of Pakistan’s agricultural sector. With an increasing population
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Norwegian Constitution Day celebrated – Ambassador of Norway Tore Nedrebo hosted a garden party at his residence to celebrate the Constitution Day of Norway. Ambassador Tore in his brief remarks on the occasion said relations between Norway and Pakistan are growing with the each passing day. He also made a mention of Norwegians of Pakistani origin who have been contributing reasonably to Norwegian economy. The ambassador also welcomed those Norwegians of Pakistani origin who were in Pakistan to attend the
Constitution Day celebrations. He said, bilateral relations are close and excellent. There are several reasons for this.
other factors.” Masood Naqi said, “There are some sectors are available in Pakistan where we can explore a lot of opportunity to relocation of industry and there is a wide scope of investment for investors of both countries.” Head of KATI’s committee on Diplomatic affairs Danish Khan urged to enhance bilateral trade between both the
countries. He said, “Senior Vice President of K ATI Ghazanfar Ali Khan is playing a remarkable role for strengthening trade relation between Pakistan and Vietnam.” Senior Vice President of KATI Ghazanfar Ali Khan also briefed about the opportunities and mutual efforts for trade and business enhancement between both countries.
The large Pakistani diaspora in Norway, counting some 40,000 individuals, means there is a lot of exchange between the two countries and considerable awareness of Pakistan in Norway. Our current foreign minister visits Pakistan practically every year, and even the prime ministers meet regularly.
Vietnam calls for promoting bilateral trade with Pakistan
and decreasing agricultural productivity there is growing trend of urban to rural migration. Consequently young generation is least interested in farming enterprise. There is no formal system for mobilizing and training of rural youth. The Outreach Chair strives to create awareness among our rural youth about new technologies for adoption in the field of agriculture and rural development. In this context outreach events have been organized in the schools of community outreach centers. Interactive workshops on different issues have been arranged. A workshop on “tree planation and weed eradication” was arranged at Government High School, Chak-189 Jhumra. A six-member team of agriculture scientists (horticulture and agrimony) and extension experts visited Government High School Rasoolpur Chak Jhumra. Team visited different classrooms and showed various kinds of weeds to the young students. Later on students took part in weed eradication activities so that they could be able to convince their elders for weeds control. Students also took part in fruits tree plantation activities in the main ground of the School. STAKEHOLDERS’ ROUNDTABLE WORKSHOP Stakeholders’ roundtable workshop was organized at the University of Agriculture Faisalabad. Prof. Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan, Vice Chancellor chaired the session. The participants of the workshop included extension experts from Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Baluchistan, and the representatives of farmers’ organizations and industrial sector. Dr. Babar Shahbaz, Chair Outreach program in his address elucidated that agriculture sector is transforming rapidly. The demand for increased production of food, fiber, feed, milk, sugar, meat, edible oil, poultry etc. is increasing in the backdrop of growing population of the country that is expected to be about 224 million by 2030. This presents many challenges for agriculture and consequently for extension services in the next two decades. In this context this roundtable consultation intends to address emerging challenges for agriculture sector in general and outreach in particular. Prof. Dr. Ashfaq Ahmad Chattha (Climate Change), Dr. Muhammad Jameel Khan (Agricultural Policy), Dr. Bushra Sadia (Biotechnology) and Jahanzeb Masud Cheema (Precision Agriculture) explained the vision of their respective thematic chairs in the context of future scenario. The resource persons from Sindh, KPK and Baluchistan also presented challenges and emerging trends in agriculture sector in their respective provinces with special reference to extension services. Dr. Arif Wattoo delivered a presentation on the future prospective of water use efficiency. Mr. Iftikhar Muhammad presented the viewpoint of farmers and presented proposed cooperative model for Punjab and informed that the Anjuman-e-Kashtkaran Puanjab is a Voluntary Organization of Small and Medium farmers of the Punjab and they are planned to develop cooperative marketing and services system to address the problems of small and medium landholders. Prof. Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan (Vice-Chancellor) in his address said that agriculture sector of Pakistan is facing multiple challenges and problems of small farmers are increasing day by day. Punjab government is taking all efforts to minimize the problems of the farming communities. He said that past initiatives cooperative farming should be reviewed carefully so that reason of the failure of such initiatives can be highlighted. He said that it is a real challenge for agricultural service providers to develop viable strategies to meet the future needs of agriculture sector. (Note: Most parts of this article have been taken from the quarterly newsletter of Outreach, published by USPCAS-AFS)
Qatar will host regional breast cancer awareness campaign The Second Regional Campaign for Breast Cancer Awareness will be hosted by the State of Qatar, aiming to spread a unified message across more than 11 Arab countries. Dr Sheikh Khalid bin Jabor Al Thani, Chairman of Qatar Cancer Society addressed a press conference a day before yesterday and said: “We will spread the message and unified activities through the regional campaign to increase awareness about breast cancer and the importance of its early detection,” he said. The regional campaign will be held in partnership with Jordan
Breast Cancer Programme and supported by Ooredoo and Katara Hospitality. By keeping in view the impact of continuous awareness activities held by the Qatar Cancer Society, Dr Al Thani said that people have a more open approach to the disease. “Our awareness programmes are very successful. Earlier, people were reluctant but now many come forward and ask questions and try to get to know about the disease. Very soon we will be launching an app to answer all questions related to breast cancer,” he said.
Chinese spent $24 billion into ‘golden visa’ programs BEIJING , MAY 17, (DNA) - When the sister of President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner promoted investment in her family’s new skyscraper from a Beijing hotel ballroom stage earlier this month, she was pitching a controversial American visa program that’s proven irresistible to tens of thousands of Chinese. More than 100,000 Chinese have poured at least $24 billion in the last decade into “golden visa” programs across the world that offer residence in exchange for investment, an Associated Press analysis has found. Nowhere is Chinese demand greater than in the United States, which has taken in at least $7.7 billion and issued more than 40,000 visas to Chinese investors and their families in the past decade. The Chinese investors flocking to these programs are people like Jenny Liu, a doctoral student in the eastern city of Nanjing, who sold her apartment two years ago and moved in with her parents. She used the money from the sale to invest $500,000 in a hotel project in the United States. If the project creates enough jobs in two years, she’ll get a prized “green card” and a pathway for a less stressful education for her 9-year-old son. “My son has a lot of homework to do every day, but I don’t think he has learned a lot from school,” Liu said. “I hope he can actually pick up some useful knowledge or skills rather than only learn how to pass tests.” The flood of investors reflects how China’s rise has catapulted tens of millions of families into the middle class. But at the same time, it shows how these families are increasingly becoming restless as cities remain choked by smog, home prices multiply and schools impose ever-greater pressure on children.
They also feel insecure about being able to protect their property and savings. Their money goes toward government bonds, businesses, mountain ski resorts, new schools and real estate projects, including a Trump-branded tower in New Jersey built by the Kushner Companies, once run by Jared Kushner, now a White House senior adviser. But the industry is murky, loosely regulated and sometimes fraud-ridden — in the U.S., federal regulators have linked the EB-5 visa program to fraud cases involving more than $1 billion in investment in the last four years. Despite criticism from Congress, Trump signed a spending bill that included a renewal of the program through September, although federal authorities have proposed more than doubling the minimum investment. Just one day later, Kushner’s sister, Nicole Meyer, was in Beijing courting Chinese for a new project funded by EB-5. That’s raised complaints about conflicts of interest and new calls to revise or even end the program.
Australian High Commissioner, Margaret Adamson and others cutting cake during launching cermoney of Australian Global Alumni Network in Islamabad
Published by Rana Tahir Shahbaz from Office # 2 , First Floor, Abbasi Plaza , Bani Gala Islamabad (ph: 051-8314196, fax: 051-8315196) & Printed at Roohani Art Press Islamabad
4 Friday - May 19, 2017
THE DESTINATION
Association for Humanitarian Development wins share of US$1 million global Healthcare Innovation Award • I n novation uses local materials and technology in replicable water purification system • Many rural communities in Pakistan still drink contaminated water; children under-five are especially vulnerable Islamabad, Pakistan –The Association for Humanitarian Development (A H D), a Hyderabad-based community organisation, has been awarded US$320,000 fora biological water-filtering initiative that provides hundreds of thousands of families with clean water. The Pakistani group is one of four worldwide to have won a share of the 2017 Healthcare Innovation Award, funded by global healthcare company GlaxoSmithKline (GSK). The water purification initiative was highlighted at a roundtable discussion with stakeholders and policymakers today. The discussion covered the challenge of providing safe drinking water, how AHD’s innovation could be scaled to reach more people and the potential for it to spur other innovative health
initiatives in Pakistan. Currently, manyrural communities in Pakistan have todrink contaminated water. Children under-five are especially vulnerable as contaminated drinking water is a major factor in diarrhoeal deaths and several neglected tropical diseases, including intestinal worms, schistosomiasis and trachoma. Recent rapid urbanisation, susceptibility to floods and the challenging terrain of Pakistan has made accessing safe water extremely difficult for the poorest people. To expand access to safe water, AHD introduced a simple and replicable biosand water filter, known as a “Nadi” filter, to hundreds of vulnerable villages. The innovation removes 98 to 100 per cent of biological contamination and can reduce diarrhoeal diseases by up to 40 per cent. The filter is sourced and constructed from locally available materials, meaning that one unit, which serves a household of eight to ten people, costs just Rs 1,000-1,500. AHD also provides training
to local staff and communities to enable them to take ownership of the innovation by constructing and repairing their own filters. Since launching in 2007, the Nadi Filter has provided clean and safe drinking water to 400,000 households. Mr A K hurshid Bhatti, Founder and CEO, AHD: “We are honoured to receive this Award in recognition of our efforts. We want to ensure that even the most remote communities have access to clean water. The unique part of our work is that we use entirely locally available materials and adopt a participatory approach to train communities. This ensures the Nadi filter remains available
at a low-cost and can be adopted by families across the country.” M r. A z i z u l Huq, Vice P re side nt a nd Ge ne r al Manager, GSK Pakistan: “The Nadi filter is a fantastic innovation, which can be easily replicated across Pakistan. It clearly demonstrates the power of community-based organisations to drive the development and implementation of innovations, which are tailored to meet the needs and requirements of local communities. We are proud to reward AHD for the introduction of this scalable Nadi filter, which has the potential to continue saving many more young children’s lives.”
Muhammad Farooq Ahmad In resonance with the rapidly changing geo-strategic realities in today’s world, Pakistan strongly believes in peace and stability in the region to focus on development, and promote trade activates with neighboring and regional countries. It has been the desire of Pakistan to promote cultural and educational activities, to provide access to Central Asian states to the Warm Water Ports and work for the welfare of the poor people of the region—especially against poverty and diseases. Pakistan also desires to focus on the fields of research and advanced technology. The foreign policy of a state is always formulated according to its regional environment, national interests, capabilities, and ideologies. Hence, for Pakistan, the foreign policy is based on cordiality with all the neighbors as well as those in the region with equal attention towards strong social, cultural and trade relations. To this purpose, Pakistan has always tried to explore the venues amongst its friendly and wellwishing nations in the region. Korea and Pakistan have unique cultural ties, tracing back to the 4th century, when a venerable Monk Marananta of the Gandhara region in Pakistan introduced Budd hism to the ancient Korean Kingdom of Baekje. In the 8th century, the Buddhist Monk Hyecho from the Unified Silla Kingdom travelled to Pakistan and left a travelogue. Pakistan, being a cradle of
Buddhist Civilisation, is a source of attraction for Korean tourists. Bilateral relations have been improving since 1947, Pakistan and S.Korea are enjoying their bilateral, diplomatic and friendly relations since 1983. Though the two Asian nations share historic, cultural, geographic, and economic links, their relationship needs further boosting for the better interest of them both. South Korea is the 26th largest country in the world by population and its development over the last half century has been nothing short of spectacular. Fifty years ago, the country was poorer than Bolivia and Mozambique; but today, it is richer than New Zealand and Spain and stands with the Brazilian and Indian economy. S. Korea also took the 4th largest economy position in Asia and 11th positions on the list of fastest economically growing countries by their GDP and in world. Presently, it has an export-oriented economy with a per capita income. Now its economy has grown by an average of seven percent annually. South Korea joined the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, the club of rich industrialized countries, and in 2010, it became the first Asian country and the f irst non- G-7 member to host a G-20 summit. Today South Korea is a rich, technologically advanced, mature democracy with an impressive record of innovation, economic reform, and sound leadership. This country also enjoys relative
political stability and is making impressive economic progress. With the spirit of defeatism that so long prevailed among the Korean people, the key element is a new feeling of self-reliance and self-assurance that has begun to pervade the country. “We can do it ourselves” has become the motto of the Korean people. South Korea has also ended her long international isolation by seeking a significant role in regional and international affairs. Today Korea had succeeded using Pakistan’s model of development and got the exemplary position in the world. Its economy was based solely on its will to be self-reliant by manufacturing, targeting export markets and the establishment of nuclear power plant. So with geographical as well as Asia’s perspective, if we look forward our bilateral and cordial relationships with Korean peninsula than it should be more deep and strong because there are many areas in which both countries can boost their ties and improve the living standard of their people. In last two decades, Korea has become the 12th largest trading partner of Pakistan as two-way trade volume was about $1.2 billion in 2016; exporting technology goods and importing raw material from Pakistan. Korean investors are keen to invest in Pakistan and Korean companies such as Lotte, Posco, Samsung and LG Electronics have established a reputation as excellent business partners and manufacturer of quality
consumer goods. Lotte group is the single largest foreign direct investor to date in the petrochemical and confectionery industry of the country. Posco engineering is investing in the steel sector of Pakistan. In infrastructure development Daewoo’s Islamabad-Lahore Motorway (M-2) is a landmark project, providing transport services and a modern road transport system in Pakistan. Lowari tunnel,. Pakistan also offered huge opportunities to the Korean business companies in energy generation, including Hydel, wind, solar, biomass and coal generation. At this stage, both countries should forge deep understanding and co-operation with various international organizations and regional bodies. Both countries need for closer economic interaction and ways to tap avenues which could generate more opportunities to boost their ties. If South Korea and Pakistan are to reap the full benefits of their cordial relations, both countries need to staff it with top experts committed to building a forward-looking socio-economic par tnership and trade. Moreover, the government must bolster its cadre of social economic experts who can effectively serve both countries’ national interests. Both the countries should, therefore, continue mutual contact for expanding cooperation in various areas and alter them from bilateral to multilateral levels. The writer student
ISLAMABAD (DNA) - Built in 2013 by Russian app developers, the Durov brothers, Telegram was solely meant to protect users’ messages from being viewed by intelligence agencies. With the ability to send encrypted messages that can self-destruct after a certain period, the application is a cross between Whatsapp and Snapchat. The application also boasts the ability to change its servers so that users cannot be traced. However, this is a very lethal combination if it falls into the wrong hands. In 2016, there were allegations put forth in foreign media outlets like CNN that the application was being used by the Islamic State to communicate
with their members to carry out attacks. Along with the features of encryption and self-destructing messages, the app also allows users to send messages from the most remote regions and coordinate with groups of up to 5,000 members. This conjures up an image of a troubling scenario. That of a terrorist hiding in a remote cave and sending instructions to thousands of his followers via encrypted self-destructive messages that law enforcement cannot read or decrypt. According to recent reports, this application is being used by terrorists within Pakistan. A source privy to the development informed the media that intelligence agencies
have sought the help of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) in this regard. Security agencies in Lahore expressed their worrying suspicions that Telegram might be used by terrorists in Pakistan as it is in use in other places. In response to the request, experts from FIA’s cyber crime unit apprised the intelligence officials about the application’s working and also advised them with regards to monitoring and arresting hostile elements using this application. According to the source, the FIA unfortunately does not have any software or means to trace or decode the IP address of users on Telegram. He also said that the intelligence officials were trained
on how to handle the application for 3-7 days and another training session would take place soon. It is pertinent to mention that banned organisations in Pakistan are already using social media for communication and recruitment. Telegram supposedly provides them the upper hand when it comes to evading law enforcement agencies.
Pakistan-South Korea ties need strengthening
Telegram used by terrorists to evade detection
Curtin University Alumni chapter launched in Pakistan
ISL A M A BA D ( DNA) Australian High Commissioner to Pa k ist an, Margaret Adamson has launched in Pakistan an alumni chapter of Australia’s Curtin University, said a press release issued. Curtin University has more than 600 alumni in Pakistan, many of whom are working in high profile and influential positions in public, private and the not-for-profit sectors. T he Alu m n i Chapter i n Pakistan aims to work closely w it h C u r t i n Un ive r sit y Australia and current and potential employers in Pakistan to increase employability of its graduates. They will also be working with Pakistani educational institutions to link with Curtin University. High Commissioner Adamson said that the growing number of Pakistani students living and studying in Australia underscored the strong people-to-people links between Pakistan and Australia. She
noted the recent launch of the Australian Global Alumni Network in Pakistan and encouraged Curtin alumni to join. “Australia is currently the third largest international destination for Pakistani students seeking high-quality education for their professional development, with currently around 16,000 enrolments in Australian higher education institutions,” Ms Adamson said. “I congratulate the organisers of the Curtin University alumni chapter and welcome this avenue for further expanding the network of Australian alumni in Pakistan.” C u r t i n Un ive r sit y Vic e Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry said, “We are pleased that the launch event is happening in 2017 during our 50th Celebrations. It is 50 years since Curtin’s predecessor instit ution; the Western Australian Institute
REGIONAL WOMEN’S NETWORK AMPLIFIES VOICES OF DISPLACED WOMEN Voices for Equality” written by eminent women’s rights Activist and lawyer Rukhshanda Naz. The report is focused on displaced women from FATA where WRN used “Community Conversations”as a tool to reach out to conflict affected women in this case — IDP women from North and South Waziristan residing in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The Community Conversations on which this report is based, highlight the concerns of Women IDPs and their perspectives on issues of militarisation, security, peace and justice. The focus of the report is on the strategies and solutions of women and their role as peacemakers rebuilding their families and communities. The recommendations of the report are aimed to bring the concerns of women to the forefront, and be used as research reports for civil society and those involved in humanitarian response as well as an advocacy tool to build relationships with state actors to better address the needs of displaced women. In today’s violent conflicts, the forcibly displaced -- refugees, asylum seekers and the internally displaced -- are the most visible
and vulnerable face of the civilian in war. The conflict landscape is dominated by the forcibly displaced, especially internally displaced persons (IDPs), pushing upwards 38 million people in 2015, compared to barely two million in 1982. In South Asia, at the end of 2014 there were at least 4.1 million IDPs, a spike of 1.8million from the previous year and increasing. Pakistan accounted for 48% of the region’s displaced population, Afghanistan and India a fifth each (South Asia Ref World 2015). Confronted with the huge and ongoing problem of forced displacement across the region, militarization, shrinking democratic accountability and the failure of states to fulfill obligations to own displaced citizens The core purpose of WRN is to amplify the voices of unheard, marginalized women, and together address the interlinked issues of peace and security, justice and governance in South Asia. To this end, WRN connects women peace advocates, committed to working collectively within and across national borders in an open, respectful, learning environment.
KARACHI, 17 MAY (DNA - Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah on Wednesday said China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) would help build a robust and stable economy in Sindh together with generating sound prospect for the province to revive and expand its industrial base. “This will not only generate employment but also lift millions of people out of poverty and improve their quality of life,” he said while addressing Sindh Growth Forum organized by Sindh Planning and Development Board (P&D) in Karachi. Sindh is a major center of economic activity in Pakistan and has a highly diversified economy ranging from heavy industry, manufacturing, services sector and agriculture. He said, “Growth Forum is being hosted in this resource rich province of Sindh with the objective to ensure inclusive and sustained economic growth.” “The World Bank Group owes our deepest gratitude for their creative and consistent support in making this event happen,” he said and added that the P&D broad array of representation from all sectors and walks of life is a clear sign of our will
and capacity to achieve growth through collective action. He thanked Patchamuthu Illangovan, World Bank’s country Director for his presence in the form and said he along with his team has been instrumental in galvanizing the critical mass for this very important task of developing Sindh Growth Strategy. “I believe industrial cooperation coupled with better road connectivity will serve as a conduit for transfer of CPEC gains to our people and business on ground,” he said. He said, “CPEC would bring dividends to all provinces and regions of Pakistan. We stand committed to ensuring speedy implementation of CPEC projects to seize the opportunities that are knocking at our door.” Talking about the resources of the province, the Chief Minister said, “Sindh is endowed with the coastal belt and has two sea ports handling bulk of country’s exports and imports. It has a vibrant Stock Exchange and the most resilient business communities have been the driving force behind country’s industrialization.” The Chief Minister said that he is cognizant of the fact that the province continues to grapple
of Technology (WAIT) began operating.” “I would also like to acknowledge the vital role the founder of the Alumni Chapter in Pakistan, Noor Aftab and her dedicated group of alumni in Pakistan has played in making the launch possible. Curtin is fortunate to have such committed graduates,” he said. A large number of Pakistani alumni of Curtin University attended the launch event in Islamabad including industry leaders and employers from
the telecom, banking, and development sectors. Curtin University, named after the 14th Prime Minister of Australia John Curtin, is the largest university in Western Australia with around 68,000 students. Each year Curtin handles an intake of over 7,000 international students from more than 60 countries, including around 200 Pakistanis. Curtin University is ranked among the top two per cent of universities in the world.
New generation to help bridging gap between demand, supply: Kh Asif ISLAMABAD (DNA - Federal Minister for Water and Power Khawaja Muhammad Asif has said that addition of new generation will further help in bridging the gap between demand and supply. He expressed these views in a tweet message to congratulate the nation and also team at the Ministry of Water and Power as the country’s electricity generation touched new record high at 17720MW. He said, “The generation of power by Hydel projects was 5240 megawatts while GENCO has produced 2901 MW.” He also said, “Independent Power P roduce r ge ne r at ed 9579 megawatts.”
Last year highest generation recorded was 17430MW on June 19, during Ramzan, said a statement issued here. In the record generation the hydel component contributed 5240MW, GENCOs 2901 MW while IPPS produced 9579MW. The successful transmission and distribution of 17720MW has also reinforced the government’s investment in the power sector. The Federal Minister reiterated the government’s resolve to take every step towards resolving issues pertaining to electricity. He said, “Maximum relief is being passed on to the consumers as the new generation adds in the national grid.”
Govt focusing on generating more
revenue by broadening tax base: Ahsan Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal on Wednesday said that the government is focusing on generating more revenue by broadening the tax base, simplifying the tax procedure and strengthening tax administration. Chairing the Annual Plan Coordination Com m it tee meet i ng i n Islamabad, he said, “Pakistan has bright prospects of economic growth in years to come.”Ahsan Iqbal said,
“Over five percent Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate is expected at the end of the current financial year.”He said, “ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has the potential to further spur GDP growth rate and transform Pakistan into a regional economic hub.” The Minister said, “Early harvest energy projects under CPEC will have a discernible impact on the economy.”
with low level of human development: low literacy level; poor health indicators; inadequate access to safe drinking water and sanitation; poverty and hunger; regional, gender and income disparities. “But this characterization of our social under development is being faced with massive social sector investment in Health and Nutrition, Education and Water and sanitation through provincial resources and the assistance of the development partners,” he said. Murad Ali Shah said, “The economy of Sindh has historically been based on a well-developed agriculture supported by an effective irrigation network on the River Indus. The economic development of Sindh is therefore largely dependent on the growth of agriculture sector. “ He said, “In recent years, his government has significantly increased budget allocations for development and nondevelopment expenditures for agriculture sector and made significant investment in farm mechanization, water conser vation, agriculture research and extension services, livestock and fisheries, food storage facilities and
value addition of agricultural products.” He said, “All the barrages and downstream irrigation systems having completed their useful life of more than half century require significant rehabilitation. Therefore, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Government in Sindh attaches importance to rehabilitation of all the three barrages, Guddu, Sukkur and Kotri, and old irrigation systems and, to this end, is pursuing partnership with donor agencies for canal lining, barrages improvement and rehabilitation of regulators in order to provide water to tail-end farmers.” The Chief Minister said, “Just to augment the national efforts to enhance production of electricity, Sindh government has heavily invested on development of infrastructure to exploit Thar Coal Reserve and tap alternative energy sources, such as wind and solar power.” Taking this opportunity, the Chief Minister said, “Sindh aims at setting up the industry which leverages both our resource as well as clouts the capacities of Chinese Industrial development to yield better economic outcomes in Sindh.”
CPEC to help build robust, stable economy in Sindh: Murad